We had a really good time in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kashgar. All guides, drivers, accommodation and food was fantastic! We had plenty of positive experiences. The program worked perfectly and we are your happy customers. Assoc Prof Regine WagnerVisiting Fellow Flexible Learning Institute Charles Sturt University

We have had many guides in the course of our world travels, but never ever one any better than the guide from Roxana Tour
He worked tirelessly for us night and day. His efforts for us were far beyond what would have been "good". Dr. Paul HettingerOrlando, FL, USA 32818

I have been coming to Uzbekistan for 32 years and as a Tour leader for different companies, I can say that Roxana Tours is the best travel company in Uzbekistan I had in 32 years. Gary Wintz, LATour leader from ZOE and Mountain Sabeck

I wanted to drop you a quick e-mail thanking you for the outstanding tour you provided. From the time we arrived at Tashkent until we left, we had no problems and everything was first class. Richard L. Wolfel, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of GeographyUnited States Military AcademyWest Point, NY 10996

I am indeed impressed and would like to Thank you from the bottom of my heart, in fact you have not only gained my respect and admiration, I salute your efficiency, not to say the least, I am grateful I am sure I would not be traveling again to Uzbekistan without you definitely involved in my itinerary. Saud A.Al JaidahCEO/ Al Jaidah Intl. Doha, Qatar

This ancient land and melting pot of cultures is inhabited by people who enjoy the life and try to celebrate every aspect of life when possible.Modern Uzbeks are a nation whose routes go deep into centuries and in whose veins runs blood of Sogdians, Bactrians, Ancient Khorezmians, Greeks, Turks, Arabs, Mongols and others. And all of them brought in their traditions, customs, religions and holidays. From times immemorial the peoples of Central Asia (including Uzbekistan) were Zoroastrians and worshipped Sun and Fire. Zoroastrism which was born and developed in Central Asia, for centuries had very strong influence not only on local population and kingdoms, but also on the neighboring kingdoms and their religions. So nowadays the elements of fire worshipping you can find in Cristianity, Judaizm and Islam.The biggest and the most important celebration and holiday for Zoroastrians was Navruz – New Year. It was celebrated on 21st of March – the day of Vernal Equinox and symbolized the birth of the new year. Even the Arab invasion after which the total population was converted to Islam could not uproot the ancient traditions and it was celebrated though out the Islamic period. Only during soviet period the traditional holidays were banned and replaced by new soviet holidays. After Uzbekistan gained independence and Uzbeks started returning to their old traditions and culture, Navruz is celebrated as the state holiday on grandiose scale every year. Every village, every town and city celebrates it with public celebrations and concerts. People visit their elders, families visit each other and various meals are prepared throughout the holiday week. In the countryside there are organized competitions of wrestlers, ram fights, cock fights and uloq, when horsemen compete and struggle for heavy carcass of the goat to show their brevity, strength and speed.The sacred meal which is prepared specially for Navruz is called sumalak. It is cooked of wheat and there is involved a big group of people or several families as it is cooked in big cauldrons for several hours and after it is shared between all families. Sumalak is praised for being very healthy and energetic meal, very suitable for spring.

The other 2 holidays celebrated in Uzbekistan are Iyd al Fitr which celebrates the end of fast in Ramadan and Iyd al Adha, which is Celebration of Sacrifice by Prophet Abraham. Both of them are connected with Islamic beliefs of Uzbeks and celebrated with modesty and quietly.

Another important holiday if Independence Day on 1st of September, which is also celebrated on grandiose scale all over Uzbekistan.

Also in farming rural areas there are celebrated specific holidays like Pakhta Bayram - Cotton Harvest Festival and Lola Bayram – Tulip Festival. Uzbeks also celebrate international holidays like New Year, Women’s day, Day of Labour and Memory Day on 9th of May.A very popular festival in Uzbekistan is held in Samarkand every two years and it is called Sharq Taronalari – Melodies of the East. It is a festival of traditional music with participants from more than 60 countries and the last week of August turns Registan Square in Samarkand into a stage for perfomances.Another festival of the same popularity is Asrlar Sadosi – Echo of the Ages, the Festival of Traditional Cultures. It is held every year in a different province of Uzbekistan.